Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has issued a stern warning to a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) pushing for protests. Speaking on Ramogi TV, Mbadi urged members like Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to avoid street demonstrations, arguing that such actions only harm the party and risk reigniting old political wounds.
He insisted that ODM should focus on offering hope to Kenyans, while emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy, and working constructively with President William Ruto’s administration to address the country’s challenges.
CS Mbadi Calls for Discipline Within ODM
Treasury CS John Mbadi addressed rising tensions within ODM during an interview on Wednesday morning. He cautioned members against mobilizing protests, warning that such actions could drag the party backwards.
Mbadi stated that demonstrations are not a solution to Kenya’s challenges. “I want to warn ODM members that demonstrations alone are not the solution. Things can easily be resolved if people sit down and address their differences,” he said.
The CS urged party members to remember ODM’s core purpose. He highlighted that political parties exist to offer hope, not to incite unrest. “The only reason people follow political parties is because of hope,” Mbadi added.
He noted that while Kenyans have historically taken to the streets over grievances, protests alone cannot solve deep-seated issues. Instead, diplomacy and national dialogue remain the most effective problem-solving methods, a strategy promoted by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Party divisions over collaboration with Ruto
Mbadi’s warning comes amid speculation of a split within ODM over its cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration. Some party members, particularly from the Nyanza region, have expressed dissatisfaction with the broad-based arrangement.
During ODM’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, Siaya Governor James Orengo criticized former ODM officials now serving in Ruto’s cabinet, including Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi. He suggested that the party must remain vigilant and ready to challenge government policies.
Orengo’s remarks reflect a faction within ODM that resists collaboration with Ruto. The governor insisted that ODM must uphold the ideals of a free country envisioned by Raila Odinga, warning that Kenyans could return to the streets over poor governance.
Babu Owino threatens protests
Adding fuel to the fire, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino declared that he would lead protests if commodity prices and the cost of living continue to rise. Speaking at the same anniversary event, Owino claimed that the government’s failure to address rising costs could push Kenyans into mass action.
Mbadi directly addressed Owino’s threat, urging a strategic approach rather than spontaneous demonstrations. He stressed that street protests, particularly organized along ethnic lines, could harm ODM’s image and weaken its influence in national politics.
“In politics, you must be a strategist. ODM has immense support in most parts of the country. If you look keenly at those who want people to protest, they are not from other communities but our own community,” Mbadi warned.
Dialogue and collaboration over confrontation
Mbadi underscored the importance of dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation. He called on ODM members to engage constructively with the government instead of resorting to protests that could derail progress.
He also reminded the party of its responsibility to Kenyans. By focusing on practical solutions, diplomacy, and strategic political action, ODM can maintain credibility and deliver tangible benefits to the public.
The CS’s comments highlight the tension between party discipline and activist politics within ODM. As Kenya faces economic pressures, Mbadi insists that measured approaches, not street action, remain the key to meaningful change.
Mbadi’s warning signals an internal battle between factions seeking confrontation and those advocating constructive engagement. For ODM to remain relevant and credible, the former national chairman insists, it must prioritize hope, dialogue, and unity over impulsive street protests.
